Asian Civilisations Museum named top in Singapore by travel website TripAdvisor

The museum was lauded for its well-written description of artefacts, as well as how its collection highlights the differences in Asian cultures.

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Here is the press release from TripAdvisor:

SINGAPORE- Travel site TripAdvisor announced its Travellers' Choice awards for Museums around the globe on Tuesday. The top 25 in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Europe, South America, South Pacific, the UK, the US and Singapore were identified.

"Some of the world's most significant cultural institutions are represented within the Travellers' Choice Museums thanks to the feedback shared by millions of travellers around the world," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "Featuring some of the world's finest art, scientific discoveries and historical events, these world-class attractions offer both educational and enriching experiences."

Travellers' Choice awards honour top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

The Asian Civilisations Museum was named the top museum in Singapore and ranked ninth in Asia. Changi Chapel and Museum also made it to the Asia list, taking the 13th spot

"We are delighted to be recognised as one of Singapore's top museums by TripAdvisor travellers, and thank them for their support. The Asian Civilisations Museum reflects the diverse heritage of Singapore's people and provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the interconnections between Asian cultures," said Dr Alan Chong, director of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Top 10 Travellers' Choice Museums in Singapore:

1. Asian Civilisations Museum (848 reviews)

As the first museum in the region to present a broad yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations, the Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the history of Singapore's forefathers. Its collection centres on the material cultures of the different groups originating from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. "Documents, pictures and all other items are perfectly described. You can enjoy the evolution and the differences of Asian cultures," noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.

2. Changi Chapel and Museum (714 reviews)

This museum honours Prisoners of War (POWs) who endured the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II. Their stories are told with an impressive collection of personal artefacts and news coverage. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "This place takes on an atmosphere of its own. Everyone who visits is emotional and humbled."

3. Peranakan Museum (416 reviews)

The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia. Installed in the former Tao Nan Chinese School, built in 1912, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. "For visitors to Singapore, this should be a must see as it highlights a very important but probably not the most well-known aspect of Singapore culture - the Peranakans," said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

4. National Museum of Singapore (686 reviews)

Singapore's oldest and largest museum, the National Museum of Singapore presents permanent exhibitions on Singapore history and popular culture, alongside changing exhibitions on world history and popular culture. "This museum beautifully presents Singapore's history from many different perspectives," noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.

5. ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands (342 reviews)

Located on the Marina Bay waterfront, this iconic museum is one that celebrates creativity, the processes at the heart of art and science and creates a first-of-its-kind experience for visitors from all walks of life. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "Kudos to the management for always selecting very interesting collaborations and exhibitions from around the world, and the design layout is almost always perfectly done."

6. Science Centre Singapore (269 reviews)

The Science Centre Singapore hosts the largest collection of educational materials and exhibits devoted to Science, covering practically everything related to science, including human body, water, climate change, earth and much more. "The place is so perfectly awesome that it will not only entertain kids but adults as well. Kids will definitely be inspired with science learnings," said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

7. Images of Singapore (222 reviews)

Located on Sentosa, Images of Singapore brings together Singapore's past to life using multimedia displays, multi-screen theatre presentations and life-sized tableaus depicting local history. "Brillant place if you want a crash course on the history of Singapore. Plenty to see and learn," noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.

8. Singapore Art Museum (203 reviews)

Opened in 1996, the Singapore Art Museum advocates and presents contemporary art practices of Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. Since its inception, the museum has amassed one of the world's largest public collections of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks, with a growing component in international contemporary art. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and it has a great collection of contemporary and traditional art."

9. Mint Museum of Toys (71 reviews)

MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys is the world's first purpose-built museum for toys, showcasing an extensive collection of vintage toys. It is considered to be the largest collection of its kind within Southeast Asia, with more than 50,000 pieces of vintage toys and childhood memorabilia from more than 40 countries. "The collection of toys reminded me of my childhood and the feelings associated with them. It was great," said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

10. Singapore Philatelic Museum (74 reviews)

The Singapore Philatelic Museum celebrates everything about the world of stamps, from their unique background and connection to important historical moments in history, to stamp design and important collections. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "The museum was so interesting, not only the exhibits of the rare and unique stamps it is also a great way to learn about the history of Singapore. The interactive displays are a great way to get children interested in stamp collecting and the history of stamps."